Done with 3 weeks of the Cube, meaning that it is one wave down, two more to go. Firstly, I am grateful for the spreadsheet that Bryan has created for us, saves me a lot of hassle, just plug in the numbers and perform the reps. So far, the progress is on track, with the estimated maxes coming close or even better than my planned maxes. Now I shall list down some changes I have made over the past few weeks.
Squat
Compared to previously with me throwing my head back to use my chest to drive up the weight, Bryan has us all looking down at a spot. Tucking in the chin. With this change, I am feeling more stable and the weights stop shifting about much. Foot stance is with my feet pointing slightly outward, forming a slight V.
Progress: 150kg as of now (with reference to heavy day). Think I could have done better but with reference to rep day, 112.5kg for 16 reps, I think I have become more comfortable with handling slightly heavier weights than before, shall work on it.
Bench
Form improved a lot (squeezing my traps and locking myself into the bench), more stable than before, leveraging on my thicker back and chest. Smoother lockout thanks to all the board press and from today's 5 reps with 120kg for close grip bench, I can safely say that the bench is coming together nicely. Eager to see my progress for the next wave.
Progress: Taking today's close grip bench as reference, I can safely say that I can pause a 140kg close grip bench for one rep, assuming that the form is perfect. Muscular endurance is also getting better, benched 95kg*20 for 2 sets with 2 boards. Also managed to rep out 31 reps with 30kg dumbbells on incline, quite an achievement I should say.
Deadlifts
Form can still improve (slight rounding still from the side) and lockouts are getting better, though need to work on bracing the abs and squeezing the glutes together. Read from Elitefts/T-nation/Ben Rice that I have to squeeze them glutes together (as if I am humping the bar). I have honestly never practiced doing that so shall add that in, hopefully the numbers will go up with the added recruitment of the glutes.
Progress: Taking heavy day's 4" block pull, I think my strength is coming along nicely, however it is limited by my form, therefore need to learn to brace the abs more. Mixed grip working very nicely for me. Will also remember to lock the triceps down, a point that I am not sure if I have been doing but will consciously make an effort to do so on Monday.
Thoughts
With internship in place, rest is limited, along with food, however I have added in 1kg of yogurt a day to maintain my gainz. Weighed myself in the morning, the 89.5kg last night was a illusion, I am still 88.1kg, therefore I still have 4kg to grow. Which is good because if I am already 90kg, then I must say I am not very impressed with my 90kg build. Twain is right, when you reach it, you will think that 90kg is not very big. Never settle, never stop. When you are satisfied, that is when you know that you will stop progressing. I am also grateful for my friends that always go "Max, stop growing, you very big already!" or "Max, you know how big you are already? You are like two of us add together!". HAHAHA. This just tells me that I am making progress so thank you dear friends. Lastly, seeing the numbers for next wave makes my knees go weak but I know that I can do it and I will.
Thank you for reading this. Stay hungry brah.
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